Freelance Advice from the Front Lines
I’ve been freelancing for a solid year now and have learned a few things. There are going to be trials and tribulations but like anything else it will get easier with time. As you work with more clients and build more web sites you will start to develop a system that works for you. Sometimes you will have to learn the hard way. Here are some pointers that may help you avoid some of the situations I found myself in:
- Absolutely, Positively, Get a 50% Deposit up Front - One of the most benificial things you can do when working with a client is get a 50% deposit up front. For one, this covers some basic costs you may encounter for this project such as web hosting, stock photo purchases, and domain names to name a few. This also ties the client to the project. Without a deposit there is nothing that holds the client to the project financially. Unless you have a contract that is
- Make a Design Contract - Another crucial step to take is creating a design contract that will be signed by both you and your client. This contract will specify some of the logistics of the project such as financials, due dates, what is expected of them, etc. Be as detailed as possible but try to keep it in lamens terms so you don’t confuse the hell out of them. Having a contract is a sure way to keep the client commited.
- Charging for Future Work AKA Websie Maintanence - It is very important to specify your rate for future work on a completed web site. This is usually done in the contract. Most people specify an hourly rate for future work. This way you don’t have a client running back to you when something needs to be changed. Depending on how much you are charging you can include a certain amount of free maintance or have a window of time that you will offer free support.
Hopefully these pointers will help you avoid some of the situations I got myself into when first freelancing. Once you get a system down you will be amazed at how smooth and quick you can complete a project. Stay tuned for some more advice. Happy Freelancing.
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Good advice, where were you a few years ago when I needed someone to tell me this. Unfortunattely like you I had to learn the hard way.